Ottawa Wolves Score in Manchester

Photo courtesy of Andrew Cefferty

The Ottawa Wolves Rugby Football Club claimed the Hoagland Tribute Cup Consolation prize on Sunday, June 3rd, 2012 during the biennial Bingham Cup in Manchester, England. The Wolves played a hard-fought match against the Bristol Bisons and won the prize with a score of 5-0.

Play began on Friday with the Wolves winning their very first match 12-0 in the morning against the Sparta Kings, a mixed side from London and Manchester. Later that afternoon, the Wolves posted their first loss of the tournament against Los Valents de Montpellier 31-0.

Saturday saw the Wolves face-off against the Caledonian Thebans and the Newcastle Ravens. Although the team lost both matches, 7-17 and 5-24 respectively, the Wolves played some of their best rugby; executing a strong defense and displaying a marked improvement in skill and ability over the day before.

In spite of the losses, injuries and inclement weather, the Wolves took the pitch Sunday morning reinvigorated and determined. Another win against the Sparta Kings with a score of 29-0 catapulted the team to the Hoagland Tribute Cup Consolation Final and the eventual win against the Bisons

The Ottawa Wolves are extremely proud of their achievements at the Bingham Cup. For many of their players, this was their first international tournament and many are also new to rugby and the Wolves.

Wolves President Johnny Festarini said, “The Bingham Cup is an opportunity for our club to compete with like-minded teams at a level of play that matches our own. This tournament will go down as one of the most grueling and also the most rewarding. I’m extremely proud of each and every player who, despite lack of experience and compounding injuries, left their blood, sweat and tears on the pitch to help us achieve these successes and bring home some hardware.”

The Ottawa Wolves wish to congratulate the Sydney Convicts, winners of this Bingham Cup, and all the other clubs who took home trophies. A special thank you is extended to the Manchester Village Spartans, the City of Manchester, the International Gay Rugby Association and Board, the Rugby Football Union and the teams who participated for a brilliant week and a fantastic tournament.

Quick Facts About the Bingham Cup:

  • The Bingham Cup is the world championship of gay and inclusive rugby teams and is one of the largest men’s 15-aside rugby union tournaments in the sporting calendar outside of the IRB Rugby World Cup.
  • The tournament attracts well over 30 clubs and approximately 1,000 players from 15 countries ranging from Australia and Canada to France and Portugal.
  • Previous host cities include San Francisco, London, New York, Dublin and Minneapolis.
  • Manchester 2012 was the sixth Bingham Cup and marked the tournaments 10th anniversary.
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